HealthSheets™

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Vaginal Infection: Understanding the Vaginal Environment

The vagina is a canal. It connects the uterus (womb) to the outside of the body. It is home to many types of bacteria and other tiny organisms. These different bacteria most often stay balanced in number. This keeps the vagina healthy. If the balance changes, it can cause infection.

A healthy environment

Many types of bacteria are present in a healthy vagina. When balanced, they don’t cause problems. Small amounts of yeast may also be present without causing problems. The most common type of bacteria in the vagina is lactobacillus. It helps keep the vagina at a low pH. A low pH keeps bad bacteria from taking over.

Normal vaginal discharge

The vagina makes fluid. It is sent out as discharge. This also keeps the vagina healthy. Normal discharge can be clear, white, or yellowish. Most women find that normal discharge varies in amount and color through the month.

An unhealthy environment

The vaginal environment may get out of balance. This may result in a vaginal infection. There are a few reasons this can happen. The pH may have changed. The amount of one organism, such as yeast, may increase. Or an outside organism may get into the vagina and throw off the balance:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is due to an imbalance in the normal bacteria in the vagina. Lactobacillus bacteria decrease. As a result, the numbers of bad bacteria increase.

Candidiasis (yeast infection). Yeast is a type of fungus. A yeast infection occurs when yeast cells in the vagina increase. They then attack vaginal tissues. A type of yeast called Candida albicans is often involved.

Trichomoniasis (“trich”). Trich is a parasite. It is passed from one person to another during sex. Men with trich often don’t have any symptoms. In women, it can take weeks or months before symptoms appear.